Kristen Baumlier

Recently I have noticed an increase in public events and workshops that focus on foraging and finding edible food that grows wild.  Last year at some of the farmer markets I went to I saw purslane, dandelion leaves, and wild onions for sale.

Since I have been in the Durham the past couple of days, I have sometimes smelled a sweet smell which comes from blooming honeysuckle.  Honeysuckle is edible and in season, and can be used in desserts and drinks.  The flowers can be added to maple syrup or honey and used for pancakes, waffles and toast.  Someone told me about a local ice cream shop that makes honeysuckle ice cream this time of year. I  tried tasting the honey of the flower (a 8 year old boy showed me how) and could taste a subtle sweet flavor.

This week in Pittsboro, NC there is a Full Moon Forage and Wild Feast, where attendees can learn how to find edible plants and how to use them to create a meal. The menu includes wild greens salad topped with wild flowers & homemade dressing; amaranth & acorn crust pizza; savory wild greens frittata; honeysuckle flower dessert & herbal tea. At the dinner you learn how to find the ingredients, get the recipes, and also eat the food.

The acorn crust that is listed at the meal peaked my interest, and I found a webpage that gives directions on how to make acorn flour. It sounds pretty simple but is a number of steps:   forage, grind, soak, filter, and dry.  Acorns are actually very nutritious and are good sources of protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as the minerals calcium and phosphorus.  Acorns can be used to make bread, crusts, or to thicken soups.

The first  wild food and herb market in the United States opened in Carrboro, NC on March 10th, 2013.  The Wild Food + Herb Market takes place one Sunday afternoon each month from March through November from 1­‐4 PM.   The next market is on June 2^nd, and there is a long list of vendors and educational organizations who will be in attendance.  The market is a place to buy, sell, trade, and meet others who are interested in wild foods and herbs.

Wild food is divided into several groups; wild edibles, medicinal herbs, mushrooms, and tress.  Some of the wild foods that I have tried so far include dandelion, wild strawberries, violets, sumac, garlic, lemon balm, honeysuckle, and morel mushrooms.  Next to where I am living there is a forest, not sure what I can find to eat there, but I plan to attend the next Wild Food + Herb market and learn more, and to try eating the honeysuckle again.

Image Source:
theabundancefoundation.org/wild-food-herb-market

Links:

www.wikihow.com/Make-Acorn-Flour

theabundancefoundation.org/wild-food-herb-market

www.abundancehealingarts.com/events.html